NMMA offers tour of 2016 Miami show site

The National Marine Manufacturers Association started a series of announcements for the 2016 Progressive Miami International Boat Show with a meet-and-greet with city officials and a tour of the new site.

The NMMA executive committee was on hand, along with Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and members of the City of Miami commission to hold a groundbreaking for the new site and learn about construction plans for the Miami International Boat Show: Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin.

The city reiterated that it will invest $16 million to rejuvenate the park and basin. Additionally, the NMMA will build customized docks and erect tents to accommodate exhibitors.

The water area — the size of the Washington Mall — can accommodate at least 700 slips and will be able to house large boats in a deep-water basin. On land, large tent structures will be both air-conditioned and open-air and will span Marine Stadium Park.

The site offers more parking spaces than are available at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where the NMMA has been holding the show. (The convention center will be renovated in 2016 and 2017.)

Water taxis will be available from ports and hotels throughout Miami to take attendees to and from the show. Private boats will be able to dock at the show and will have access to launch services.

Onsite at this year's show, from signage to renderings to information handouts, attendees couldn't miss the promotion for next year. Additionally, onPeak, the official hotel provider for the 2016 show, was booking reservations for next year.

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